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Ink

A number of people have asked me what ink I put in the Lamy Safari fountain pen I use in the Spring video. It’s a lovely substance called “Noodler’s Black Waterproof Fountain Pen Ink” which is incidentally classified as “Bulletproof” because, once dry, it “resists all the known tools of a forger, UV light, UV light wands, bleaches, alcohols, solvents, petrochemicals, oven cleaners, carpet cleaners, carpet stain lifters …” In short, don’t spill it on your nice new shirt.

I bought my initial bottle on Amazon for about $12 but I see it’s now up to $16.18. As that first bottle has lasted me for nearly two years and is still going strong, I consider it a bulletproof investment.

I’m sure you’ve sorted this out by now but if not… Wonderpens in Toronto sells Noodler’s ink and ships everywhere I believe. They charge much less than Amazon Canada but with shipping it might even out. Should you live in the GTA they have a retail store as well. Midoco in Toronto also sells Noodler’s.

Noodler’s Black is available from Goulet Pens for $12.50. They ship worldwide (I’m in Canada; they’re in Virginia). I don’t find Noodler’s Black to be all that waterproof when applying watercolors over it. For that reason, I use Noodler’s Lexington Gray which is a very dark gray but somewhat more waterproof. Same price from Goulet Pens.

I’ve never heard of this ‘clogging’ problem with Noodler’s bulletproof inks. Any chance you’re not talking about Platinum Carbon Black, which is a pigmented, truly waterproof ink? You do have to watch it more carefully, but I’ve used that in my Lamy Safaris as well.

Hi Danny (Mr Clippy), it looks like a brilliant ink! I would love to buy it but Amazon says it wont ship to my address in Australia :(. Not sure what to do, where else can I buy this from that will ship to Australia?

I’d like to know which Lemay Safari fountain pen you like to use—there are so many of them…and which type of ink filling are you using? and does the pen come with usable ink or do I have to order the ink you suggest at the time of my order? Do I need to order a converter? I sure like the looks of the clear see thru one….but that not may be the wrong one…. Id’ like to invest in the right one that’s been tried and true…as I have not the time left to experiment nor the money to spend on the wrong thing…thank you for your help….Winna

A supplier for inks and fountain pens that I especially like is The Goulet Pen Company. I live in NC and they are close to me plus they have great customer service. They also have lots of videos on pen care and feeding and lots of customer feedback on the product pages. Very helpful when trying to make a decision about what inks work well with which pens. http://www.gouletpens.com/Noodlers_Bottled_Ink_s/808.htm

If there’s a fountain pen collector out there, I wanted to share this quirky and wonderful site http://www.fountainpenrevolution.com. It’s run by an American (I think) who scours the country for (new + vintage) Indian fountain pens that start at $5 and has bulk discounts. I loved his clear pens. He guarantees the pens and delivery all the things that stopped me from ordering.

I’ve used almost every Noodler’s ink I have in a Lamy Safari and I’ve never had a single clog. I’ve also never heard of Noodler’s inks clogging a Lamy Safari under normal use. In fact, my wife is currently using a white Lamy Safari with Noodler’s Bulletproof Black. It’s a great pairing.

If you’re having trouble finding it, as Nina mentioned, we do carry it. We were charging $12.00 for a short time but another retailer complained and their distributor required us to bring our price back up to the market rate of $12.50. They have very strict guidelines around minimum pricing apparently. We are still allowed to offer quantity discounts and we still have our free shipping over $50.00 in the U.S.

I didn’t mean for this to be a plug, just trying to help out. These really are great pens and great inks.

Hi Danny
I notest the ink you used when writing in your journal was in a round bottle
What is the brand .
I usually use noodles black
Just wondering it the round bottle one is also waterproof
Thanks Eddie